The Wide Worlds of 'This is ...'

Centered on national costumes, the New Town Hall and the Glockenspiel, "This Is Munich" portrayed Bavarian life in Sašek's adopted hometown. With its two dominant towers, Frauenkirche cathedral is the symbol of the capital city. Climb the stairs of the south tower for unique views, particularly of the nearby Alps.

And the annual Oktoberfest is illustrated with lively colors, showcasing the locals' love for beer, pretzels and sausages.

"A city of laurel wreaths and fountains playing under a bright blue sky."

"This Is Rome" captures the old-world history and new-world charm of the Eternal City through its many noted landmarks, wittily guiding and informing us whether throwing pennies into the Trevi Fountain or scaling the Spanish Steps.

Wind through busy streets by taxi or tram while seeing the Pantheon, the statues of Michelangelo and modern chic espresso bars.

In 1965, Sašek ventured to the east, writing about bamboo rickshaw taxis and honey-glazed Peking duck in his book "This Is Hong Kong." It was still a British colony at the time, with many Western traditions melded into local lore. The author captured the people and streets and carefully copied the ornate writing and signs he found in Hong Kong.

Overlooking one of the most densely populated areas in the world, Victoria Peak can still be ascended by visitors via the Peak Tram, one of the world's oldest funicular railways. Sweeping panoramas of Kowloon Bay, the expansive skyline and bustling natural bay beckon to be explored.

Londoners are seen riding the London Underground in M. Sasek's "This is London" from 1959. M. SASEK, THIS IS LONDON
Londoners are seen riding the Underground in a photo from July 2012. Life in London may have changed in 50 years but the habits of the locals remain similar to those captured by M. Sasek over 50 years ago. ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN, GETTY IMAGES
The Spanish Steps in Rome as captured by M. Sasek. M. SASEK, THIS IS ROME
Night befalls the Spanish Steps in Rome. CAROLINE SEIDEL, ZUMAPRESS.COM
Cable Cars race down the hills of San Francisco in M. Sasek's This is San Francisco. M. SASEK, THIS IS SAN FRANCISCO
A cable car operator walks toward a Powell-Mason cable Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006, in San Francisco. NOAH BERGER, AP

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